Buffalo Bills fire Chan Gailey, coaching staff

Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey and his coaching staff were fired Monday, a day after the team concluded a 6-10 season and missed the National Football League playoffs for the 13th consecutive year.

The move was reported on the team’s website.

“I understand this is a business,” Gailey said after thanking Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. and General Manager Buddy Nix for the opportunity. “We didn’t get the job done.

“I’ve been called two other times to turn things around, was able to do it. I wasn’t able to get this one done soon enough, and I understand that completely.”

Gailey also thanked the Bills’ fans.

“These are loyal, loyal fans and I understand that. I think that the next staff will have a great opportunity for success and to make this another great football franchise.

“This will probably be, and I say probably, but I think it will be the first place that’s ever fired me that I’ll pull for.”

The Bills began the season with high expectations, following the signing of high-profile defensive lineman Mario Williams. But the defense gave up 48 points to the New York Jets in their season opener, and 435 points this season, the second-highest total in franchise history.

Gailey’s record in three years as the Bills’ coach was 16-32, including 6-10 records the last two seasons.

Tuesday update: Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. Tuesday said he has promoted Russ Brandon to president and CEO and given him full authority over the entire organization's operations.

"Russ Brandon has done a tremendous job in his 16 years with our organization and is very highly respected throughout the National Football League," Wilson said in a statement. "He has proven to be extremely successful with each new level of responsibility he has been given and has earned this opportunity. Russ is a proven leader and he will now have full authority over the entire Buffalo Bills operation. I have granted him full autonomy to run the organization as he feels is best."

Added Wilson: "These past 13 years have been very difficult on our fans and we have not produced the type of winning team that they deserve. It has been frustrating for our organization and for me as well. We want our team to be one that our fans are proud of. I believe that Russ has the unique abilities to assemble and lead the talent we will need to get the job done."

According to published reports, Buddy Nix will remain Bills general manager for now, but eventually he will hand over the GM reins to Doug Whaley, an assistant GM with the team.